Abstract: An actuator and door latch system incorporating the same. The actuator moves a door latch between locked and unlocked positions with rapidity using a gear train directly coupled to an actuator motor or energy stored in an energy storage element such as a spring.

Abstract: An actuator for selectively coupling first and second shafts for transmitting torque between the first and second shafts and a system incorporating the same. The actuator includes a sleeve movable between engaged and disengaged positions. An armature is configured to move the sleeve into an engaged position in response to energization of a coil. A latching mechanism may hold the sleeve in the engaged position when the coil is deenergized.

Abstract: An actuator and door latch system incorporating the same. The actuator moves a door latch between locked and unlocked positions with rapidity using a gear train directly coupled to an actuator motor or energy stored in an energy storage element such as a spring.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical actuator for a window lift mechanism including a plurality of motors for driving an output shaft. The actuator may be incorporated into a window lift mechanism including a dual rack and pinion assembly, for driving the pinions along the racks. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a variety of anti-back-drive mechanisms, e.g. clutches. A clutch according to one embodiment includes locking pawls that resist back-drive. In another embodiment, locking cams rotate relative to a carrier to resist back-drive. An actuator consistent with the invention may incorporate an impact mechanism including a flexible carrier. The carrier flexes to prevent impact forces at an output gear train from coupling to an input gear train.

Abstract: A failsafe actuator is provided for returning an actuator driven element to a failsafe position in case of a failure condition. The actuator includes a drive assembly for driving a plunger from a first plunger position to a second plunger position. The actuator additionally includes a stored energy element for driving the plunger from the second plunger position to the first plunger position on the occurrence of the failure condition, wherein the actuator driven element is responsive to the plunger such that the actuator drive element is driven to the failsafe position when the plunger is driven to the first position.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical actuator including a plurality of motors for driving an output shaft. The actuator may be incorporated into a window lift mechanism, such as a mechanism including a dual rack and pinion assembly. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a variety of anti-back-drive mechanisms, e.g. clutches. A clutch according to one embodiment includes locking pawls that resist back-drive. In another embodiment, locking cams rotate relative to a carrier to resist back-drive. An actuator consistent with the invention may incorporate an impact mechanism including a flexible carrier. The carrier flexes to prevent impact forces at an output gear train from coupling to an input gear train.

Abstract: An thermostat actuator is provided for controlling a flow rate of coolant through a cooling system. The actuator includes a motor and a drive train including an anti-back-drive mechanism. The actuator further includes an integral position feedback system that for indicating a position of an element of the actuator to ensure that the actuator has moved to a commanded position. The actuator is configured to be readily adaptable to different position feedback systems providing varying degrees of position feedback resolution.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator for a window lift mechanism including a plurality of motors for driving an output shaft. The actuator may be incorporated into a window lift mechanism including a dual rack and pinion assembly, for driving the pinions along the racks. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a variety of anti-back-drive mechanisms, e.g. clutches. A clutch according to one embodiment includes locking pawls that resist back-drive. In another embodiment, locking cams rotate relative to a carrier to resist back-drive. An actuator consistent with the invention may incorporate an impact mechanism including a flexible carrier. The carrier flexes to prevent impact forces at an output gear train from coupling to an input gear train.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical actuator including a brushless DC motor for driving an output of the actuator; and a motor controller. The controller is configured to interrupt operation of the motor in response to at least one feedback signal representative of a motor parameter that varies with variation in a load on the output. The actuator output may be coupled to a window lift mechanism for moving a vehicle window between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A failsafe actuator is provided for returning an actuator driven element to a failsafe position in case of a failure condition. The actuator includes a drive assembly for driving a plunger from a first plunger position to a second plunger position. The actuator additionally includes a stored energy element for driving the plunger from the second plunger position to the first plunger position on the occurrence of the failure condition, wherein the actuator driven element is responsive to the plunger such that the actuator drive element is driven to the failsafe position when the plunger is driven to the first position.

Abstract: An actuator including a motor having a drive shaft, and a gear train coupled to the drive shaft, wherein the gear train includes a plurality of output gears and an associated plurality of output ports for providing a mechanical output from the actuator. The gear train may be provided in a variety of configurations, and may include a worm gear and worm wheel configuration for reducing audible noise. Position sensing may be provided for determining the position of a movable element, e.g. one or more adjustable pedals of an adjustable pedal system. A controller may control the position of the movable element in response to a user input, and may facilitate auto-calibration of the element upon installation. Various configurations for isolating actuator components for reducing audible noise, including a sub-frame isolation configuration, are also provided.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical actuator including a brushless DC motor for driving an output of the actuator; and a motor controller. The controller is configured to interrupt operation of the motor in response to at least one feedback signal representative of a motor parameter that varies with variation in a load on the output. The actuator output may be coupled to a window lift mechanism for moving a vehicle window between open and closed positions.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator including a motor for driving an actuator output shaft through a gear train and a drive belt for coupling torque from the motor to the gear train. In one embodiment, elastomeric motor supports are provided between the motor and an actuator housing.

Abstract: An actuator including a motor having a drive shaft, and a gear train coupled to the drive shaft, wherein the gear train includes a plurality of output gears and an associated plurality of output ports for providing a mechanical output from the actuator. The gear train may be provided in a variety of configurations, and may include a worm gear and worm wheel configuration for reducing audible noise. Position sensing may be provided for determining the position of a movable element, e.g. one or more adjustable pedals of an adjustable pedal system. A controller may control the position of the movable element in response to a user input, and may facilitate auto-calibration of the element upon installation. Various configurations for isolating actuator components for reducing audible noise, including a sub-frame isolation configuration, are also provided.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical actuator including a plurality of motors for driving an output shaft. The actuator may be incorporated into a window lift mechanism, such as a mechanism including a dual rack and pinion assembly. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a variety of anti-back-drive mechanisms, e.g. clutches. A clutch according to one embodiment includes locking pawls that resist back-drive. In another embodiment, locking cams rotate relative to a carrier to resist back-drive. An actuator consistent with the invention may incorporate an impact mechanism including a flexible carrier. The carrier flexes to prevent impact forces at an output gear train from coupling to an input gear train.